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Autocar Professional - Latest ArticlesenAutocar ProfessionalBYD India's dynamic market strategy revealed in Autocar Professional's September 15 issue<div class='articleDetails_image'><img src='https://www.autocarpro.in/Utils/ImageResizer.ashx?n=https://www.autocarpro.in/userfiles/dd205419-dcbc-4e6a-981c-7727c2986373.jpg&h=485&w=735'/><div><p><strong>Chinese electric vehicle manufacturer BYD is biding its time for a bigger presence in the Indian market. The world&#39;s largest EV maker, which already has a strong presence in the electric bus market in India through its BYD Olectra buses, has now turned its attention to electric mobility in smaller-sized vehicles. The company, has launched two new products -- the T3 MPV and T3 cargo minivan -- targeted at the personal mobility and cargo logistics segments. They could also be the precursor to manufacturing electric cars in India and also exporting them from India.</strong></p>
<p>That&#39;s just what<strong><span style="color:#0000FF;"> Ketsu Zhang, Executive Director of BYD India</span></strong>, tells <em>Autocar Professional</em> in an exclusive interview. Among other things, he said, &quot;We &nbsp;would like to start electric car production in India not only for the Indian market but also for overseas markets.&quot;</p>
<p>Set up in March 2017 in Chennai, BYD India has two factories, covering more than 140,000 square meters, with a cumulative investment of over US $150 million (Rs 1,080 crore)&nbsp; US dollars. The business covers mobile components, solar panels, battery energy storage, electric buses, electric trucks, electric forklifts, chargers, and now cars.</p>
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<p>While&nbsp; vehicle electrification remains an ongoing programme with industry, India Auto Inc is right now completely focussed on the technological leap to BS VI. <strong><span style="color:#0000FF;">Daimler India Commercial Vehicles</span></strong>, which has the advantage of parent Daimler Trucks&#39; familiarity with Euro 6 tech for over a decade, believes it has an advantage over domestic truck makers. Now the Chennai-based CV maker has revealed plans to not only rejig its product portfolio to BS VI compliance with a promise of superior fuel efficiency and lower TCO, but will also leverage the India production base as an export hub of BS VI trucks and buses, starting FY2021-22.</p>
<p>Meanwhile, in an effort to put OEM concerns about delayed availability of BS VI fuel across India to rest, oil marketing companies have told <em>Autocar Professional</em> that they are on track to make the greener fuel available ahead of the April 2020 deadline. See what <strong><span style="color:#0000FF;">Indian Oil, Bharat Petroleum and Hindustan Petroleum</span></strong> have to say.</p>
<p>Exporting top-notch quality made-in-India vehicles and components was one of the measures advocated by industry experts at the <strong><span style="color:#0000FF;">SIAM </span></strong>and<strong><span style="color:#0000FF;"> ACMA </span></strong>annual conventions in early September. While Transport Minister Nitin Gadkari assured India Auto Inc of a technology agnostic approach and of standing with industry during its ongoing troubled times, stakeholders at the SIAM convention were made aware that they need to take on disruptions in their stride through smart manufacturing, digitalisation, sharper focus on quality, and readying for the shift to BS VI ahead of the April 2020 deadline.</p>
<p>Making quality products is what<strong><span style="color:#0000FF;"> Charles Frump, Managing Director of Volvo Car India</span></strong>, firmly believes in. In a candid interview, he reveals the company&#39;s product and growth strategy.</p>
<p>The <strong><span style="color:#0000FF;">ACMA Convention</span></strong>, held a day after SIAM&#39;s on September 6, saw industry heads urge the supplier community to master the quality mantra across all operations. Several captains of industry, representing the OEMs and suppliers, called upon the component industry to manufacture zero-defect products and to think global since exports can act as a buffer to dwindling sales in the domestic market. We also detail the many findings of an ACMA-McKinsey &amp; Co study on how the component sector can gear up for six impending discontinuities.</p>
<p>In a candid interview, <strong><span style="color:#0000FF;">Deepak Jain, the new President of ACMA</span></strong>, and also <strong><span style="color:#0000FF;">CMD of Lumax Industries</span></strong>, reveals his top three priorities as head of the apex component industry body, how the industry can drive out of the downturn and the growth outlook for suppliers in FY2020.</p>
<p>How to tackle the ongoing downturn and how it has already impacted them is the subject of an analytical three-pager wherein five captains of the component industry speak exclusively to <em>Autocar Professional</em>. They include<strong><span style="color:#0000FF;"> Deepak Chopra, CEO, Anand Group; Nishant Arya, Executive Director, JBM Group; Ramashankar Pandey, MD, Hella India Lighting; Prashanth Doreswamy, MD, Continental Automotive Components India;</span></strong> and<strong><span style="color:#0000FF;"> Rohit Saboo, President and CEO, National Engineering Industries.</span></strong></p>
<p>If India has to keep company with top rankers in the global scheme of automotive things, then it has to embrace digitalisation. Global tech major <strong><span style="color:#0000FF;">Siemens Digital Industries Software </span></strong>recently held its global conference in Brooklyn, where it launched the Xcelerator software, services and application development platform that can be easily customised and adapted to enable companies of all sizes to transform into digital enterprises. We have a first-hand report.</p>
<p>Our guest columnist for this issue is <strong><span style="color:#0000FF;">Ramashankar Pandey, Managing Director of Hella India Lighting</span></strong>. He writes on how the New Motor Vehicle (Amendment)&nbsp; Bill 2019, with its stiff penalties, could turn out to be a game-changer legislation to arrest the alarming rate of road crash fatalities in India. If only the State governments would listen and not water down the Bill by not implementing it in its entirety.</p>
<p>August was not such an august month for the Indian automobile industry, what with sales acros vehicle segments declining at an alarming rate month on month. We have all the stats and facts.</p>
<p><strong>Where to buy?</strong><br>
<em>Autocar Professional</em>&nbsp;magazine is available through all good newsagents and for download from<strong><span style="color:#FF0000;">&nbsp;</span><a href="https://www.magzter.com/IN/Haymarket-India/Autocar-Professional/Automotive/" target="_blank"><span style="color:#FF0000;">Magzster</span></a></strong>. You can also buy one-off copies of&nbsp;<em>Autocar Professional</em>&nbsp;magazine &ndash; contact Ganesh at<strong>&nbsp;<a href="mailto:ganesh@haymarket.co.in" target="_blank">ganesh@haymarketsac.com</a></strong>. Alternatively, never miss an issue &ndash;&nbsp;<strong><a href="http://subscriptions.haymarketindia.in/ProductDetails.aspx?id=15&amp;type=Print" target="_blank"><span style="color:#FF0000;">subscribe to&nbsp;<em>Autocar Professional</em>&nbsp;magazine&nbsp;today</span></a></strong>.</p>
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<![CDATA[Along with full reports on the SIAM and ACMA Conventions, we bring you an exclusive interview with Ketsu Zhang, BYD India's executive director. Plus lots more features, analysis and inside industry stories.]]>Autocar ProfessionalAutocar Pro News Desk Industryhttps://www.autocarpro.in/Utils/ImageResizer.ashx?n=https://www.autocarpro.in/userfiles/dd205419-dcbc-4e6a-981c-7727c2986373.jpg&h=485&w=735https://www.autocarpro.in/Utils/ImageResizer.ashx?n=https://www.autocarpro.in/userfiles/dd205419-dcbc-4e6a-981c-7727c2986373.jpg&h=485&w=73544097https://www.autocarpro.in/news-national/byd-india-dynamic-market-strategy-revealed-in-autocar-professional-september-15-issue-44097
https://www.autocarpro.in/news-national/byd-india-dynamic-market-strategy-revealed-in-autocar-professional-september-15-issue-44097Sun, 15 Sep 2019 12:26:00Vedanta becomes first Indian aluminium producer to launch primary foundry alloy for the auto industry<div class='articleDetails_image'><img src='https://www.autocarpro.in/Utils/ImageResizer.ashx?n=https://www.autocarpro.in/userfiles/ed6ca55f-ce6a-401b-a7a0-b4aa66b6c297.jpg&h=485&w=735'/><div><p><strong>Vedanta Aluminium, one of the largest primary aluminium producers of India, has announced the formal launch of its newest product line, Primary Foundry Alloy (PFA) for the Indian automotive industry. </strong></p>
<p>The company had first unveiled PFA at the<a href="https://www.autocarpro.in/news-national/nitin-gadkari-assures-india-auto-inc-of-a-helping-hand-to-tide-over-troubled-times-44021"><span style="color:#FF0000;"> 59<sup>th</sup> Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers (SIAM) Annual Convention 2019</span></a>, and became the first primary aluminium producer to supply the raw material for alloy wheels in the country. The company says until now, the automotive and ancillary industries were completely dependent on import for the product.</p>
<p>The company says it is investing in creating a PFA capacity of 240,000 tonnes in alignment with the government&rsquo;s &lsquo;Make in India&rsquo; initiative to cater to the domestic requirement of automotive companies and OEMs to rely on indigenously procured material. Vedanta says localisation of the sustainable domestic raw material supply chain will help the Indian automotive industry.</p>
<p>Ajay Kapur, CEO &ndash; Aluminium and Power, Vedanta said, &ldquo;As a long-term strategy, we are adopting various measures to serve the growing demand of our Indian customers. With the introduction of the Primary Foundry Alloy, we have expanded our product portfolio that will enhance our reach to the end customers and allow us to become a significant player in the product value chain in the automotive industry. We believe the new product will not only support the auto sector but also help reduce India&rsquo;s import bill.&rdquo;</p>
<p>PFA is a part of the cast aluminium alloy family, which is predominantly an alloy of aluminium, silicon and magnesium. Aluminium PFAs are known for their excellent metal quality requiring high purity aluminium and superior castability that make them a preferred choice for the critical applications in the auto industry. These alloys are used to manufacture important auto parts including&nbsp;alloy wheels, cylinder heads and brake systems among others.</p>
<p>Vedanta says at present, the share of aluminium alloy wheels in India is significantly lower compared to the rest of the world. With increased focus on light-weighting of vehicles, it is expected that over the next few years there will be a surge in the uptake of&nbsp;alloy wheels due to certain undeniable advantages. The biggest strength of Vedanta&rsquo;s products is that they use best in class technology to conform to the global specifications and standards as well as undergo rigorous quality assurance checks to&nbsp;ensure that customers access products of world-class quality. Vedanta states that its capability to customise these alloys also equips the company to address the varying requirements of the auto industry.&nbsp;</p>
<p>The introduction of PFA in the company&rsquo;s portfolio is part of its belief that aluminium, is the metal of the future, and holds significant strategic importance for the economy.&nbsp;Its versatility makes aluminium metal of choice for transportation, power, aerospace, defence, building and construction and packaging industry, and these new value-added products will assist its adoption for other industries as well.</p>
<p><strong>Also read: <a href="https://www.autocarpro.in/news-national/fada-asks-siam-to-report-retail-sales-over-wholesales-44074"><span style="color:#FF0000;">FADA asks SIAM to report retail sales over wholesales</span></a></strong></p>
<p><strong><a href="https://www.autocarpro.in/news-national/government-may-float-tender-soon-for-mega-investments-in-battery-manufacturing-44094"><span style="color:#FF0000;">Government may float tender soon for mega investments in battery manufacturing</span></a></strong></p>
<![CDATA[The company says it is investing in creating a PFA capacity of 240,000 tonnes.]]>Autocar ProfessionalAutocar Pro News Desk Industryhttps://www.autocarpro.in/Utils/ImageResizer.ashx?n=https://www.autocarpro.in/userfiles/ed6ca55f-ce6a-401b-a7a0-b4aa66b6c297.jpg&h=485&w=735https://www.autocarpro.in/Utils/ImageResizer.ashx?n=https://www.autocarpro.in/userfiles/ed6ca55f-ce6a-401b-a7a0-b4aa66b6c297.jpg&h=485&w=73544096https://www.autocarpro.in/news-national/vedanta-becomes-first-indian-aluminium-producer-to-launch-primary-foundry-alloy-for-the-auto-industry-44096
https://www.autocarpro.in/news-national/vedanta-becomes-first-indian-aluminium-producer-to-launch-primary-foundry-alloy-for-the-auto-industry-44096Sat, 14 Sep 2019 15:02:00Hella and Faurecia reveal futuristic vehicle interiors at IAA<div class='articleDetails_image'><img src='https://www.autocarpro.in/Utils/ImageResizer.ashx?n=https://www.autocarpro.in/userfiles/1de946d5-fad5-4206-a620-e254d1ada72c.jpg&h=485&w=735'/><div><p><strong>Automotive lighting major Hella and Faurecia, one of the world&rsquo;s leading automotive technology companies, have showcased innovative concepts for the vehicle interior of the future at the IAA 2019. This is seen as a demonstration vehicle at the Hella stand in the New Mobility World (Hall 5, Stand B06).</strong></p>
<p>In the completely redesigned interior, various lighting solutions and functionalities support diverse scenarios of automated driving. At the same time, they increase comfort while driving and open up new possibilities for individualisation.<br />
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&quot;In the course of automated driving, the driver is increasingly becoming a passenger,&quot; said Dr. Frank Huber, member of the Hella management board and responsible for global lighting activities. &quot;Together with our partner Faurecia, we are therefore working intensively on the integration of innovative lighting solutions into the vehicle interior, which can be adapted, for example, to the respective needs of the occupants or the driving situation.&quot;<br />
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David Weill, vice-president - Marketing and Business Development at Faurecia Interiors, underlines the increasing importance of vehicle interiors: &quot;Already today, personalised lighting and interior solutions can create completely new differentiation features. As part of our strategic cooperation with Hella, we have already implemented the first impressive solutions, which can be experienced live in our demonstration vehicle at the Hella exhibition booth.&quot;<br />
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The strategic cooperation between Hella and Faurecia focuses on sophisticated, dynamic lighting designs and surface solutions with integrated lighting elements. As the partnership realises synergies at the interfaces between lighting and interior components, cost savings can be achieved, among other things. The cooperation between Faurecia and Hella also enables the comprehensive personalisation of the vehicle interior. For example, when passengers enter the vehicle they are greeted by personalised interior lighting on the instrument and door panels as well as the seats. Additional lighting functionalities also provide the occupants with relevant information. Incoming calls can for example be indicated by lighting signals without disturbing other passengers.<br />
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Faurecia and Hella have also jointly worked on functionalities improving communication and safety in automated driving situations. This includes the division of tasks between driver and vehicle at the end of an autonomous driving situation. The seat then brings the driver back into the appropriate driving position and a dynamic lighting scenario is used to increase concentration and attention.</p>
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<![CDATA[The strategic cooperation between Hella and Faurecia focuses on sophisticated, dynamic lighting designs and surface solutions with integrated lighting elements.]]>Autocar ProfessionalAutocar Pro News Desk Industryhttps://www.autocarpro.in/Utils/ImageResizer.ashx?n=https://www.autocarpro.in/userfiles/1de946d5-fad5-4206-a620-e254d1ada72c.jpg&h=485&w=735https://www.autocarpro.in/Utils/ImageResizer.ashx?n=https://www.autocarpro.in/userfiles/1de946d5-fad5-4206-a620-e254d1ada72c.jpg&h=485&w=73544095https://www.autocarpro.in/news-international/hella-and-faurecia-reveal futuristic-vehicle-interiors-at-iaa-44095
https://www.autocarpro.in/news-international/hella-and-faurecia-reveal futuristic-vehicle-interiors-at-iaa-44095Fri, 13 Sep 2019 21:58:00Government may float tender soon for mega investments in battery manufacturing<div class='articleDetails_image'><img src='https://www.autocarpro.in/Utils/ImageResizer.ashx?n=https://www.autocarpro.in/userfiles/44864bdf-f873-4af5-b344-2b661e3c9286.jpg&h=485&w=735'/><div><p><strong>In India&#39;s quest to realise mass-scale electric mobility, affordability of electric vehicles is a serious hurdle. Therefore, localisation of battery, the single most expensive component in any electric vehicle, is key. It is learnt that the government is targeting to set up a 50 GWh battery manufacturing capacity in India by 2025 or so. The required investment for the same could be to the tune of $50 billion (Rs 354,650 crore).</strong></p>
<p>To attract investments, the government is expected to incentivise investors. Apparently, the incentives will be available to only players who manufacture battery cells. 5GWh is expected to be the minimum required capacity for availing incentives with the minimum energy density of manufactured batteries to be 200Wh/kg and a guaranteed minimum 2,000 charge cycles.</p>
<p>NITI Aayog, the think tank of the central government, is playing a key role in shaping the electric mobility roadmap for India. When asked about the government&#39;s plan to promote battery manufacturing in India, Anil Srivastava , Principal Consultant &amp; Mission Director, National Mission on Transformative Mobility &amp; Battery Storage, NITI Aayog, confirmed that the government is going to come out with a tender document. Srivastava believes that India can be at par with China, currently the world&#39;s largest electric vehicle market, by 2035 or 2040. And the same for shared mobility too. Speaking at the Intelligent Mobility Summit by Frost &amp; Sullivan in New Delhi on Wednesday, Srivastava also said that globally incentive schemes will go down. That is already being seen in China.</p>
<p>As India embarks on its electric mobility journey, multiple companies may be entering the battery manufacturing business. According to Frost &amp; Sullivan, Gujarat and Telengana are taking the lead as hubs for lithium-ion battery manufacturing. <a href="https://www.autocarpro.in/news-national/suzuki-toshiba-denso-plan-jv-india-lithium-ion-battery-packs-24355"><span style="color:#FF0000;">Suzuki-Toshiba-Denso&#39;s joint venture</span></a><span style="color:#FF0000;"> </span>is expected to start production next year. Their plan of starting lithium-ion battery manufacturing&nbsp; in Gujarat by next year.&nbsp;</p>
<p>Tata Chemicals, a partner to Tata Motors for electric mobility, is also expected to set up a battery manufacturing plant in Gujarat. Three lithium-ion battery manufacturers are expected to set up plants in Telangana, and one in Andhra Pradesh.&nbsp; Frost &amp; Sullivan predicts India&#39;s lithium-ion battery production capacity to be at 10GWh next year and reach 20GWh by 2025. On a lighter note, NITI Aayog&#39;s Srivastava challanged Frost &amp; Sullivan for a bet on that. The electric mobility industry perhaps would hope that the government wins!</p>
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<![CDATA[It is learnt the government plans to set up 50 GWh battery manufacturing capacity in India by 2025, which calls for investment to the tune of $50 billion (Rs 354,650 crore).]]>Autocar ProfessionalAutocar Pro News Desk Industryhttps://www.autocarpro.in/Utils/ImageResizer.ashx?n=https://www.autocarpro.in/userfiles/44864bdf-f873-4af5-b344-2b661e3c9286.jpg&h=485&w=735https://www.autocarpro.in/Utils/ImageResizer.ashx?n=https://www.autocarpro.in/userfiles/44864bdf-f873-4af5-b344-2b661e3c9286.jpg&h=485&w=73544094https://www.autocarpro.in/news-national/government-may-float-tender-soon-for-mega-investments-in-battery-manufacturing-44094
https://www.autocarpro.in/news-national/government-may-float-tender-soon-for-mega-investments-in-battery-manufacturing-44094Fri, 13 Sep 2019 21:37:00Mahindra announces three additional days to its 'no- production days' in Q2 FY2020<div class='articleDetails_image'><img src='https://www.autocarpro.in/Utils/ImageResizer.ashx?n=https://www.autocarpro.in/userfiles/a3246791-7d58-4fcd-9fdf-c1caf4b2c837.jpg&h=485&w=735'/><div><p><strong>Mumbai-headquartered Mahindra &amp; Mahindra (M&amp;M) has increased the number of &#39;no-production days&#39; to between 8-17 during the second quarter (Q2) of the ongoing fiscal year 2019-20 &nbsp;for its automotive sector,&nbsp;as part of aligning its&nbsp;production with sales requirements.</strong></p>
<p>Earlier this year, on August 9, the company had intimated about its &#39;no-production days&#39; ranging from 8-14 days at its various automotive plants and Mahindra Vehicle Manufacturers during the second quarter of FY2020. Now the company has, in a regulatory filing today, said its automotive sector plant will see no-production days ranging between 8-17 days -- an additional 3 days as compared to the disclosure made earlier, and between 1-3 days for the Farm Equipment Sector.</p>
<p>The company management said that it &nbsp;does not envisage any adverse impact on availability of vehicles in the market due to adequacy of vehicle stocks to serve the market requirements.</p>
<p>M&amp;M has five plants which undertake manufacture of passenger vehicles, commercial vehicles and farm equipment.<br />
-&nbsp;Kandivli (Maharashtra): 100,000 units per annum<br />
-&nbsp;Nashik (Maharashtra): 220,000 units per annum<br />
-&nbsp;Chakan (Maharashtra): 320,000 units per annum<br />
-&nbsp;Haridwar (Uttarakhand): 100,000 units per annum<br />
-&nbsp;Zaheerabad (Telangana): 100,000 units per annum</p>
<p><strong><span style="color:#0000FF;">Feeling the heat of the slowdown</span></strong><br />
Like all other automakers, M&amp;M too is feeling the heat of the ongoing slowdown. The company sold a total of 13,504 passenger vehicles (IC engine) in August 2019 (-31.58%) and 89,733 units in the April-August 2019 period (-10.28%). Only 5 EVs were sold in the five-month period.</p>
<p>The company&#39;s commercial vehicle sales too are down, like the rest of the CV sector. In August, it despatched 14,684 units (-27.76%) and a total of 82,247 units in April-August 2019 (-14.81%).</p>
<p>Its three-wheeler sales in August comprised 5,046 units (-4.59%) and 22,273 units in April-August 2019 (-6.55%). Interestingly, M&amp;M sold a total of 327 electric three-wheelers in August 2019 and a cumulative 910 units in April-August 2019.</p>
<p>Mahindra Two-Wheelers sold 138 units last month (-57.14%) and a total of 324 units in the first five months of FY2020 (-84%).</p>
<p>With the festive season already underway, vehicle manufacturers as well as industry body SIAM have been urging the government to announce a GST cut as well as a scrappage policy. All eyes are now on the GSt Council meeting to be held exactly a week from now, on September 20, in Goa.&nbsp;</p>
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<![CDATA[The move is part of its effort of align its production with sales requirements in a time of market slowdown.]]>Autocar ProfessionalAutocar Pro News Desk Industryhttps://www.autocarpro.in/Utils/ImageResizer.ashx?n=https://www.autocarpro.in/userfiles/a3246791-7d58-4fcd-9fdf-c1caf4b2c837.jpg&h=485&w=735https://www.autocarpro.in/Utils/ImageResizer.ashx?n=https://www.autocarpro.in/userfiles/a3246791-7d58-4fcd-9fdf-c1caf4b2c837.jpg&h=485&w=73544093https://www.autocarpro.in/news-national/mahindra-announces-three-additional-days-to-its-no-production-days-in-q2-fy2020-44093
https://www.autocarpro.in/news-national/mahindra-announces-three-additional-days-to-its-no-production-days-in-q2-fy2020-44093Fri, 13 Sep 2019 20:54:00AVI Systems launches AI-based turning assistant system<div class='articleDetails_image'><img src='https://www.autocarpro.in/Utils/ImageResizer.ashx?n=https://www.autocarpro.in/userfiles/b42e4e80-89a6-45e8-a654-843162cc7082.jpg&h=485&w=735'/><div><p><strong>Austrian high-tech company AVI Systems&nbsp;introduces &lsquo;Careye Safety Angle&rsquo;&nbsp;turning assistant system at IAA 2019. AVI claims that the system can detect people, cyclists and objects on the basis of Artificial Intelligence and reliably warns the driver in real-time acoustically and optically in case of a possible collision. Thus, the danger of the blind spot is defused.</strong></p>
<p>The company not only addresses the aftermarket but also offers the solutions to vehicle and plant body manufacturers. Through corresponding standard interfaces the turning assistant can be used for trucks, buses and other commercial vehicles. Wolfgang Schreder, head of innovation management, explains: &quot;During the development phase - in addition to functional safety - we focused on the fact that the chosen system architecture provides the necessary flexibility to easily meet the design and functional needs of manufacturers.</p>
<p>The Careye Safety Angle offers additional assistants: The &#39;City Collision Assistant&#39; warns of possible collisions in urban areas. The &#39;Lane Change Assistant&#39; monitors the areas to the side of the vehicle. The &#39;Speed Assistant&#39; signals that the maximum permitted speed has been exceeded. The &#39;Reversing Assistant&#39; reliably warns against obstacles when reversing. In addition, the &#39;Cargo Monitoring System&#39; secures the cargo when the vehicles are parked.</p>
<p>Jorg Kammerhofer, head of sales and marketing said, &ldquo;Due to the AVI Systems specific camera-based sensor technology&nbsp;achieved angular field, it was obvious to also use this for&nbsp;additional assistance systems&nbsp;and thus provide our customers with&nbsp;real added value.&rdquo;</p>
<p>The&nbsp;intelligent outside mirror, a variant aimed at&nbsp;OEMs, replaces the vehicle&#39;s conventional mirrors and represents a significant additional benefit in daily traffic due to dynamic changes in the viewing areas.</p>
<p>The hardware and software of the &lsquo;Careye Safety Angle&rsquo; product suite are developed in-house by AVI Systems and combine high-tech camera monitor systems with corresponding&nbsp;Artificial Intelligence algorithms.</p>
<![CDATA[AVI Systems claims that the new AI-based system that replaces the conventional side-view mirror can detect people, cyclists and objects and warns the driver in real time acoustically and optically in case of a possible collision.]]>Autocar ProfessionalAutocar Pro News Desk Technologyhttps://www.autocarpro.in/Utils/ImageResizer.ashx?n=https://www.autocarpro.in/userfiles/b42e4e80-89a6-45e8-a654-843162cc7082.jpg&h=485&w=735https://www.autocarpro.in/Utils/ImageResizer.ashx?n=https://www.autocarpro.in/userfiles/b42e4e80-89a6-45e8-a654-843162cc7082.jpg&h=485&w=73544092https://www.autocarpro.in/news-international/avi-systems-launches-aibased-turning-assistant-system-44092
https://www.autocarpro.in/news-international/avi-systems-launches-aibased-turning-assistant-system-44092Fri, 13 Sep 2019 18:47:00CATL reveals CTP EV battery platform and strategy for EV market at IAA 2019<div class='articleDetails_image'><img src='https://www.autocarpro.in/Utils/ImageResizer.ashx?n=https://www.autocarpro.in/userfiles/d9469d65-4ef7-4232-84de-b96c1affeda4.jpg&h=485&w=735'/><div><p><strong>Contemporary Amperex Technology (CATL), a global major in electric vehicle (EV) battery technology and manufacturing, unveiled cell-to-pack (CTP) EV battery platform at the 2019 International Automobile Exhibition (IAA).</strong></p>
<p>CATL&rsquo;s latest platform is said to improve battery pack development through process efficiency, cost savings and the need for fewer required parts. Using cell-to-pack (CTP) technology, which includes more than 70 core patents, CATL is able to increase mass-energy density by 10-15 percent, improve volume utilisation efficiency by 15-20 percent and reduce the amount of parts for battery packs by 40 percent.</p>
<p>Based on this brand-new product platform, and together with system improvements, the battery system energy density can increase from 180 Wh/kg to more than 200 Wh/kg. At the cell level, the energy density has already reached 240 Wh/kg in 2019, and by 2024, CATL aims to increase energy density to 350 Wh/kg. This will allow EV batteries to go further on each charge.</p>
<p>Matthias Zentgraf, Europe co-president, CATL said, &ldquo;It is an exciting time to be solidifying our standing within Europe&rsquo;s dynamic and fast-moving e-mobility sector, and at CATL we embrace every opportunity to connect with OEMs in the region to better understand their needs and walk them through our solutions. At IAA this year, we will introduce European car manufacturers to our latest innovations for helping them realise their electrification strategies, including our program for new solutions based on cell-to-pack technologies.&rdquo;</p>
<p><img alt="Dr. Robin Zeng, Founder, Chairman and CEO of CATL (Left) and Dr. Stefan Hartung, member of the board of management and chairman of the Mobility Solutions business sector (Right)." src="https://www.autocarpro.in/Utils/ImageResizer.ashx?n=https://www.autocarpro.in/Portals/0/userfiles/15/Dr_%20Robin%20Zeng%2C%20Founder%2C%20Chairman%20and%20CEO%20of%20CATL%20%28Left%29%20and%20%20Dr_%20Stefan%20Hartung%2C%20member%20of%20the%20board%20of%20management%20and%20chairman%20of%20the%20Mobility%20Solutions%20business%20sector%20%28Right%29_.jpg&h=485&w=735" style="width: 735px; height: 485px;" title="Dr. Robin Zeng, Founder, Chairman and CEO of CATL (Left) and Dr. Stefan Hartung, member of the board of management and chairman of the Mobility Solutions business sector (Right)."></p>
<p><em>L-R: Dr Robin Zeng, founder, chairman and CEO of CATL and Dr Stefan Hartung, member of the board of management and chairman of the Mobility Solutions business sector</em></p>
<p>CATL is tapping into its 20-year history of innovation in the EV sector to improve product performance. In a series of technical workshops at IAA 2019 this year, CATL experts will share insights on the company&rsquo;s latest EV battery solutions, battery management system (BMS) design and intelligent manufacturing, and discuss how four key technologies can improve consumers&rsquo; EV experience:</p>
<p>- Ultra-fast-charging battery solutions tailored for real market needs, including cells that can be charged to 80 percent in 15 minutes and ensure 400 kilometers of driving mileage, as well as a turbo charging solution for C/D class vehicles that charges from 0-80 percent in only 9 minutes.</p>
<p>- Innovations that help improve total EV battery life to 600,000 kilometers, expand application and create additional value for consumers by, for example, enabling commercial usage, vehicle-to-grid and secondary use.</p>
<p>- Self-heating technology that enables batteries to warm up from -20 degree Celsius to 10 degree Celsius in 15 minutes, as well as realise a better temperature uniformity of battery cells. This ensures that the temperature difference inside the cell will not exceed 10 degree Celsius, and the temperature difference between the cells will not exceed 4 degree Celsius.</p>
<p>- Multi-level safety protection design, including material optimisation, product design, manufacturing, and after sales, ensuring system integrity and mitigating safety risks for the vehicle.</p>
<p><strong><span style="color:#0000FF;">New partnerships and globalisation strategy</span></strong><br>
CATL&rsquo;s new electric vehicle EV battery factory in Erfurt, Germany &ndash; which will produce both battery cells and modules &ndash; will enable it to collaborate closely with more European partners and more quickly respond to customer needs to help car manufacturers accelerate the roll-out of EVs. It will become one of the largest EV battery plants in Europe both in size and production capacity, covering over 60 hectares of land.&nbsp;</p>
<p><img alt="CATL plant in Erfurt in Germany" src="https://www.autocarpro.in/Utils/ImageResizer.ashx?n=https://www.autocarpro.in/Portals/0/userfiles/15/csm_IAA-Pressemitteilungen-Aussteller-CATL_03_3f05b2ebe6.jpg&h=485&w=735" style="width: 735px; height: 485px;" title="CATL plant in Erfurt in Germany"></p>
<p><em>CATL plant in Erfurt in Germany</em></p>
<p>With a total investment of up to EUR 1.8 billion (Rs 14,174 crore), CATL&rsquo;s new Erfurt factory will create thousands of jobs in Germany, as well as career growth and talent development opportunities for young people. CATL looks forward to blending its industry expertise and know-how with the Erfurt area&rsquo;s long history of industrial excellence to further support the development of the local community in the long term.</p>
<p>Most recently, CATL announced that it will supply battery cells for Bosch&rsquo;s 48-volt battery system globally, providing a more effective, affordable and flexible solution to electrify internal combustion engine vehicles and reduce emissions, in alignment with CATL&rsquo;s strategy to tailor solutions for its customers. A number of EVs powered by CATL batteries were on display at IAA 2019, including the BMW X3, which is equipped with CATL batteries globally. Other leading international partners that CATL is working with to facilitate worldwide e-mobility include Volkswagen, Daimler, Jaguar Land Rover, Volvo, Honda and Toyota.</p>
<p><img alt="Products on display at CATL IAA 2019" src="https://www.autocarpro.in/Utils/ImageResizer.ashx?n=https://www.autocarpro.in/Portals/0/userfiles/15/Display%20products.jpg&h=485&w=735" style="width: 735px; height: 485px;" title="Products on display at CATL IAA 2019"></p>
<p>Also on display at the IAA 2019 will be CATL&rsquo;s leading products, including NMC (nickel manganese cobalt) and LFP (lithium iron phosphate) batteries, BMS with smart computing and high energy density battery packs.</p>
<p>By developing advanced battery technologies, investing heavily in R&amp;D, and contributing to the establishment of global industry standards, CATL is actively working to meet the needs of its leading auto manufacturer partners and the industry as a whole.</p>
<![CDATA[At IAA 2019, CATL reveals advanced e-mobility and battery solutions and a few other innovations to further improve the EV experience. It also announced its strategy for the global EV industry.]]>Autocar ProfessionalAutocar Pro News Desk Industryhttps://www.autocarpro.in/Utils/ImageResizer.ashx?n=https://www.autocarpro.in/userfiles/d9469d65-4ef7-4232-84de-b96c1affeda4.jpg&h=485&w=735https://www.autocarpro.in/Utils/ImageResizer.ashx?n=https://www.autocarpro.in/userfiles/d9469d65-4ef7-4232-84de-b96c1affeda4.jpg&h=485&w=73544091https://www.autocarpro.in/news-international/catl-reveals-ctp-ev-battery-platform-and-strategy-for-ev-market-at-iaa-2019-44091
https://www.autocarpro.in/news-international/catl-reveals-ctp-ev-battery-platform-and-strategy-for-ev-market-at-iaa-2019-44091Fri, 13 Sep 2019 17:47:00JLR’s InMotion adds $31m to Voyage for autonomous vehicles<div class='articleDetails_image'><img src='https://www.autocarpro.in/Utils/ImageResizer.ashx?n=https://www.autocarpro.in/userfiles/d42fef5b-f4cf-442c-8746-f085b0899656.jpg&h=485&w=735'/><div><p><strong>Jaguar Land Rover&rsquo;s venture capital arm InMotion Ventures announces its follow-on investment today into autonomous vehicle manufacturer Voyage. The investment is part of a $31m (Rs 220 crore) Series B fundraiser, led by Franklin Templeton, with participation from Khosla Ventures and Chevron Technology Ventures &ndash; bringing its total capital raised to $52m (Rs 369 crore). Voyage will be using the fresh funding to bring its technology to commercialisation, grow its team, expand its fleet of G2 self-driving cars, and introduce its G3 self-driving car.</strong></p>
<p>Founded in 2017, Voyage is developing autonomous vehicle technology for communities with limited transportation options available to them. The company&rsquo;s first driverless product aims to ensure there&rsquo;s always a viable option to move independently within a community, beginning with a self-driving car that can travel point-to-point within communities at speeds up to 25 mph (40kph). So far, the company has been trialling its products in retirement communities in California and Florida, with 4,000 and 125,000 residents respectively.</p>
<p>JLR claims that the company has been experiencing a phase of rapid growth since its inception, having grown its headcount by 300 percent since its Series A in January 2018. Its new hires including Drew Gray (ex-Uber ATG, Otto, Cruise, Tesla) as CTO, and Davide Bacchet (ex-NIO, Tesla) as Director of Autonomy. The company has also deployed its waitlist to communities containing over 1.1 million residents.</p>
<p>Sebastian Peck, managing director, InMotion ventures said, &ldquo;Since investing in the company&rsquo;s Series A in 2018, it&rsquo;s been fantastic to watch the business go from strength to strength. The company has made some incredible hires which have been instrumental in enabling the development of Voyage&rsquo;s state-of-the-art technology. We&rsquo;re excited to continue working with Oliver Cameron and his world-class team at Voyage. They&rsquo;ve shown us that they have the capability to quickly make self-driving, autonomous taxis in residential communities a reality, sooner than anyone would have thought.&rdquo;</p>
<![CDATA[JLR’s venture capital arm InMotion invests another $31 million in autonomous vehicle manufacturer Voyage, getting the total capital to $52million.]]>Autocar ProfessionalAutocar Pro News Desk Technologyhttps://www.autocarpro.in/Utils/ImageResizer.ashx?n=https://www.autocarpro.in/userfiles/d42fef5b-f4cf-442c-8746-f085b0899656.jpg&h=485&w=735https://www.autocarpro.in/Utils/ImageResizer.ashx?n=https://www.autocarpro.in/userfiles/d42fef5b-f4cf-442c-8746-f085b0899656.jpg&h=485&w=73544090https://www.autocarpro.in/news-international/jlr’s-inmotion-adds-$31m-to-voyage-for-autonomous-vehicles-44090
https://www.autocarpro.in/news-international/jlr’s-inmotion-adds-$31m-to-voyage-for-autonomous-vehicles-44090Fri, 13 Sep 2019 16:14:00ExxonMobil launches new fluids for electric vehicles<div class='articleDetails_image'><img src='https://www.autocarpro.in/Utils/ImageResizer.ashx?n=https://www.autocarpro.in/userfiles/1916a644-c685-4268-8cb0-e7cfb7afbe4b.jpg&h=485&w=735'/><div><p><strong>ExxonMobil announced today the global launch of its Mobil EV offering at the 2019 IAA, which features a full suite of fluids and greases designed to meet the evolving drivetrain requirements of battery electric vehicles. In combination, plug-in hybrids, battery electric and fuel cell vehicles are predicted to exceed 20 percent of the world&rsquo;s light-duty fleet by 2040.</strong></p>
<p>Russ Green, ExxonMobil&rsquo;s vice president of finished lubricants said, &ldquo;Mobility is changing and electric vehicles are becoming a greater part of the mix. Customers and OEMs are looking to optimize the range and safety performance of their electric vehicles, and ExxonMobil is uniquely positioned to deliver these benefits. This is just the start of the product and service solutions we&rsquo;ll be developing to support the evolving needs of our customers.&rdquo;</p>
<p><img alt="ExxonMobil's Mobil EV Cool Drive" src="https://www.autocarpro.in/Utils/ImageResizer.ashx?n=https://www.autocarpro.in/Portals/0/userfiles/15/Mobil_EV_Cool_Drive.jpg&h=485&w=735" style="width: 735px; height: 485px;" title="ExxonMobil's Mobil EV Cool Drive"></p>
<p>Designed to support the electric vehicle mobility needs of manufacturers and drivers alike, the Mobil EV suite of products contains molecules carefully selected and blended to help battery electric vehicles travel further between charges, extend component life and operate more safely. Covering the full range of battery electric vehicle applications, the Mobil EV product range includes:</p>
<p><strong>- Mobil EV Therm&nbsp;</strong>series&nbsp;of thermal management fluids, formulated to help efficiently remove heat and increase equipment life in applications such as batteries, electric motors, and power electronics.</p>
<p><strong>- Mobil EV Drive&nbsp;</strong>series of lubricants for electric vehicle reduction gearboxes, designed to protect gears and bearings from wear for a longer service life.</p>
<p><strong>- Mobil EV Cool Drive&nbsp;</strong>series of fluids for electric vehicle reduction gearboxes with integrated electric motors, designed to lubricate gears and bearings while providing the necessary cooling for electric motors and power electronics.</p>
<p><strong>- Mobil EV Grease</strong>&nbsp;products ensuring protection, performance and reliability for electric vehicle applications including e-motors, bearings and constant velocity joints across a wide range of driving conditions.</p>
<p>This launch follows the recent extension of the company&rsquo;s&nbsp;partnership with Porsche&nbsp;to include collaboration on its Formula E series car for the 2019 / 2020 season &ndash; ExxonMobil&rsquo;s first entry into electric motorsports. ExxonMobil will provide Mobil-branded high-performance electric powertrain fluids to Porsche, developed specifically to meet the specialised demands of electric vehicles &ndash; including conductivity, cooling capabilities and material compatibility.</p>
<![CDATA[Following its entry into electric motorsports after partnering with Porsche, ExxonMobil has launched products including grease and fluids for thermal management, wear and tear protection and similar others.]]>Autocar ProfessionalAutocar Pro News Desk Industryhttps://www.autocarpro.in/Utils/ImageResizer.ashx?n=https://www.autocarpro.in/userfiles/1916a644-c685-4268-8cb0-e7cfb7afbe4b.jpg&h=485&w=735https://www.autocarpro.in/Utils/ImageResizer.ashx?n=https://www.autocarpro.in/userfiles/1916a644-c685-4268-8cb0-e7cfb7afbe4b.jpg&h=485&w=73544089https://www.autocarpro.in/news-international/exxonmobil-launches-new-fluids-for-electric-vehicles-44089
https://www.autocarpro.in/news-international/exxonmobil-launches-new-fluids-for-electric-vehicles-44089Fri, 13 Sep 2019 15:45:00TVS Motor launches new Jupiter Grande at Rs 62,346<div class='articleDetails_image'><img src='https://www.autocarpro.in/Utils/ImageResizer.ashx?n=https://www.autocarpro.in/userfiles/cc4b8e2b-256b-4ff4-9212-4eb78a36d3f5.jpg&h=485&w=735'/><div><p dir="ltr"><strong>TVS Motor has brought back the Jupiter Grande at Rs 62,346 (ex-showroom, Delhi). For 2019, the scooter gets Bluetooth connectivity, a new colour scheme and more.&nbsp;</strong></p>
<p dir="ltr">Unlike the older model, the new Grande is only available with a disc brake. At Rs 62,346, the Bluetooth console equipped Grande becomes the most expensive one in the range, Rs 2,446 more expensive than the TVS Jupiter Grande Disc SBT at Rs 59,900 and Rs 8,855 more than the standard Jupiter.</p>
<p dir="ltr">The biggest update comes in the form of the updated digi-analogue instrument cluster, which is now Bluetooth-enabled. While it isn&rsquo;t as comprehensive as the one of the TVS Ntorq 125, it does feature functions like call and text notifications, an over-speeding alert, among other regular data, like the trip and odometer. Users will have to download the TVS Connect app on their iOS or Android devices to get the Bluetooth-enabled notifications to work.</p>
<p dir="ltr"><img alt="TVS Jupiter Grande with bluetooth connectivity" src="https://www.autocarpro.in/Utils/ImageResizer.ashx?n=https://www.autocarpro.in/Portals/0/userfiles/15/TVS%20Jupiter%20Grande%20console.jpg&h=485&w=735" style="width: 872px; height: 578px;" title="TVS Jupiter Grande with bluetooth connectivity"></p>
<p dir="ltr">Another distinguishing factor on the Grande is the light blue colour scheme that is paired to beige-coloured inner panels. It features a maroon colour seat that gets a cross-stitch pattern. The Grande also comes equipped with a new embossed logo that is now dual coloured. Like the previous-gen Grande, this one features machine-finished alloy wheels, LED headlight and chrome trim on the rearview mirrors. However, the new bike does miss out on the chrome elements the older model featured on the apron.</p>
<p dir="ltr">It carries forward the same 109.7cc, single-cylinder engine that generates 8hp and 8.4Nm of peak torque. The new Grande is also not a BS6 model either as the transition to it would raise the cost of the scooter, which isn&#39;t favourable in such a price-sensitive segment. The inevitable upgrade is likely to happen at a later date, closer to the April 2020 deadline for BS6 norms.</p>
<p dir="ltr"><em><a href="https://www.autocarindia.com/bike-news/2019-tvs-jupiter-grande-launched-at-rs-59900-414133"><span style="color:#FF0000;">Source</span></a></em></p>
<![CDATA[The Jupiter Grande is the first scooter in the 110cc segment to get Bluetooth connectivity.]]>Autocar ProfessionalAutocar Pro News Desk Two-Wheelershttps://www.autocarpro.in/Utils/ImageResizer.ashx?n=https://www.autocarpro.in/userfiles/cc4b8e2b-256b-4ff4-9212-4eb78a36d3f5.jpg&h=485&w=735https://www.autocarpro.in/Utils/ImageResizer.ashx?n=https://www.autocarpro.in/userfiles/cc4b8e2b-256b-4ff4-9212-4eb78a36d3f5.jpg&h=485&w=73544088https://www.autocarpro.in/news-national/tvs-motor-launches-new-jupiter-grande-at-rs-62-346-44088
https://www.autocarpro.in/news-national/tvs-motor-launches-new-jupiter-grande-at-rs-62-346-44088Fri, 13 Sep 2019 15:13:00Angela Merkel travels in a robo taxi at IAA 2019<div class='articleDetails_image'><img src='https://www.autocarpro.in/Utils/ImageResizer.ashx?n=https://www.autocarpro.in/userfiles/6bc73a3f-d177-4d66-9fe0-23bdf55e58a0.jpg&h=485&w=735'/><div><p><meta content="IE=11.0000" http-equiv="X-UA-Compatible"></p>
<p><strong>At the ongoing the In&shy;ter&shy;na&shy;tional Motor Show (IAA) in Frankfurt, technology company Continental, together with the French company EasyMile, of which Continental has been a shareholder since 2017, are demonstrating the mobility of the future -- quite literally. Trade fair visitors can commute autonomously and powered only by electricity between two stops. The two companies have set up a demonstration track for a driverless Robo-Taxi between Hall 9 and the IAA Test Drive on the West Outdoor Area.German Chancellor Angela Merkel was one of the visitors to the fair who took a ride in the Cube robo taxi.</strong></p>
<p>The Robo-Taxi Cube is a Continental development platform for driverless vehicles technologies based on the EZ10 shuttle and driverless software from EasyMile. The shuttle service runs on all days of the fair during opening hours. The Robo-Taxi drives independently, a safety operator on board monitors the driving systems during the demonstration drives.</p>
<p>The technology for autonomous vehicles, which Continental and EasyMile use in the Cube, is ready for series production and is already in use worldwide in countries such as the USA, Japan, China, Singapore and Germany. It is currently being used in several pilot projects on manageable, public routes as well as in demarcated areas at company sites, university campuses or trade fair grounds.</p>
<p>Continental says in&nbsp;just a few years, however, self-driving Robo-Taxis could become an important addition to existing mobility systems because they are environmentally friendly, flexible, safe and thus suitable for numerous transportation tasks.</p>
<p><img alt="" src="https://www.autocarpro.in/Utils/ImageResizer.ashx?n=https://www.autocarpro.in/Portals/0/userfiles/17/Cube1.png&h=485&w=735" style="width: 735px; height: 463px;" title=""><em><span style="font-size: 13px;">For large cities and rural regions, driverless vehicles offer an effective and efficient solution.</span></em></p>
<p><strong><span style="color:#0000FF;">Cube power</span></strong><br>
The requisite technology is now ready for use as seen by the driving demonstration of the Cube during the IAA. This vehicle is equipped with laser sensors, cameras and radar sensors. In this way, the location can be determined precisely and at the same time obstacles and potentially critical situations can be identified in good time. Proven products from high-volume passenger car production are intelligently integrated and modified, making them suitable for a completely new type of mobility.</p>
<p>Metropolitan regions are growing worldwide, and at the same time the availability of mobility services in rural areas is becoming more widespread - both of these present major challenges for the future. And driverless transport systems, such as the Cube, offer solutions for both scenarios: emission-free and flexibly usable Robo-Taxis can contribute to improving air quality in cities as well as to relieving traffic congestion. In addition, autonomous shuttle buses reduce the risk of accidents, relieve the parking shortage and - due to the quiet electric drive - reduce noise pollution.</p>
<p>And in rural regions, Robo-Taxis can significantly increase individual mobility - especially for people who do not own a private vehicle. Ralph Lauxmann, Head of Systems &amp; Technology at Continental&#39;s Chassis &amp; Safety Division, is convinced that future mobility concepts will be multimodal and networked. &quot;In the future, the intelligent interplay of different mobility options will be crucial. A Robo-Taxi such as the CUbE, which can transport several people and pick them up or drop them off individually, considerably reduces the need for infrastructure. Far fewer parking spaces, stops or entrances and exits will be required.&quot; The areas won in this way could be used, for example, for green spaces, playgrounds or small parks.</p>
<p>Check out the video here:</p>
<p>https://www.continental.com/en/press!media?id=187052</p>
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<![CDATA[German Chancellor Angela Merkel was among the many trade visitors who commuted autonomously in Continental's and EasyMile's Robo-Taxi at the In­ter­na­tional Motor Show (IAA) in Frankfurt.]]>Autocar ProfessionalAutocar Pro News Desk Industryhttps://www.autocarpro.in/Utils/ImageResizer.ashx?n=https://www.autocarpro.in/userfiles/6bc73a3f-d177-4d66-9fe0-23bdf55e58a0.jpg&h=485&w=735https://www.autocarpro.in/Utils/ImageResizer.ashx?n=https://www.autocarpro.in/userfiles/6bc73a3f-d177-4d66-9fe0-23bdf55e58a0.jpg&h=485&w=73544087https://www.autocarpro.in/news-international/angela-merkel-travels-in-a-robo-taxi-at-iaa-2019-44087
https://www.autocarpro.in/news-international/angela-merkel-travels-in-a-robo-taxi-at-iaa-2019-44087Fri, 13 Sep 2019 12:45:00Autoliv to set up road safety research lab with Great Wall Motor<div class='articleDetails_image'><img src='https://www.autocarpro.in/Utils/ImageResizer.ashx?n=https://www.autocarpro.in/userfiles/4045fe5b-442c-4dea-9487-7b27dee11a46.jpg&h=485&w=735'/><div><p><strong>Autoliv, the worldwide leader in automotive safety systems, has earlier this month signed a joint research declaration with Great Wall Motor Co, a key SUV manufacturer in China, on a project involving North America road safety evaluation in Baoding, China. This is to support the growth of Haval and Wey, the two international SUV brands of Great Wall, and to enhance their features in Safety.</strong></p>
<p>Autoliv says that as a partner to Great Wall Motor, it has strong research capabilities and a solid international presence, which can best support Great Wall Motor in China as well as its business expansion into other countries.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>
<p>According to the joint declaration, Autoliv and Great Wall Motor will jointly set up a North America road safety research lab. The Lab will combine the global technical and testing resources of both parties and focus on the North American market, at the same time, align with the regulations from road safety authorities, thus to support the implementation of the strategies of Great Wall Motor.</p>
<p>&ldquo;This marks a milestone in the co-operation between Autoliv and Great Wall Motor,&rdquo; said Fabien Dumont, Autoliv China Engineering VP, who signed the declaration on behalf of Autoliv, &ldquo;We expect to see timely and efficient research outcome from this lab which will help on Great Wall Motor&rsquo;s safety systems strategies in the North American market,&rdquo; he added.</p>
<p>Shujie Hu, Senior Engineering VP of Great Wall Motor, Mikael Bratt, Autoliv President and Chief Executive Officer, and Jennifer Cheng, Autoliv China President, were present in the signing ceremony</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<![CDATA[The lab will combine the global technical and testing resources of both firms and focus on the North American market and also align with the regulations from road safety authorities]]>Autocar ProfessionalAutocar Pro News Desk Passenger Vehicleshttps://www.autocarpro.in/Utils/ImageResizer.ashx?n=https://www.autocarpro.in/userfiles/4045fe5b-442c-4dea-9487-7b27dee11a46.jpg&h=485&w=735https://www.autocarpro.in/Utils/ImageResizer.ashx?n=https://www.autocarpro.in/userfiles/4045fe5b-442c-4dea-9487-7b27dee11a46.jpg&h=485&w=73544085https://www.autocarpro.in/news-international/autoliv-to-set-up-road-safety-research-lab-with-great-wall-motor-44085
https://www.autocarpro.in/news-international/autoliv-to-set-up-road-safety-research-lab-with-great-wall-motor-44085Fri, 13 Sep 2019 11:44:00Indradev Babu elected as the new IMTMA president<div class='articleDetails_image'><img src='https://www.autocarpro.in/Utils/ImageResizer.ashx?n=https://www.autocarpro.in/userfiles/1437f686-ae7e-45ff-bcb3-d3b212449911.jpg&h=485&w=735'/><div><p><strong>The Indian Machine Tool Manufacturers&rsquo; Association (IMTMA), the apex body and single point of contact for the machine tool industry in India, held its 73rd&nbsp;Annual General Meeting (AGM) at the Bangalore International Exhibition Centre (BIEC).&nbsp; Indradev Babu, managing director, UCAM was elected as the new president of IMTMA.</strong></p>
<p>Indradev Babu will succeed P. Ramadas, managing director, Ace Manufacturing Systems as IMTMA&rsquo;s President. Ravi Raghavan, managing director, Bharat Fritz Werner (pictured below) was elected as the new Vice President of IMTMA. The new executive committee of IMTMA for the year 2019-2020 was also formed. IMTMA formed in 1946 has a membership of over 450 members and represents 90 percent of the organised machine tool and allied equipment manufacturers in the country.&nbsp;</p>
<p><img alt="Ravi Raghavan, Vice President, IMTMA" src="https://www.autocarpro.in/Utils/ImageResizer.ashx?n=https://www.autocarpro.in/Portals/0/userfiles/15/Ravi%20Raghavan.JPG&h=485&w=735" style="width: 735px; height: 485px;" title="Ravi Raghavan, Vice President, IMTMA"></p>
<p><em>Ravi Raghavan, Vice President, IMTMA</em></p>
<p>Earlier, in a special session at the AGM, Kamal Bali, president and managing director, Volvo Group India, spoke about the current economic downturn as well as the opportunities in store for the auto sector. He said that the slowdown that we see in the auto sector is cyclical and the industry should continue its efforts digitalization, innovation and providing solutions that are economically and environmentally viable.</p>
<p><img alt="IMTMA's new Vice President and the President with the current Secretary" src="https://www.autocarpro.in/Utils/ImageResizer.ashx?n=https://www.autocarpro.in/Portals/0/userfiles/15/From%20left%20to%20right%20Ravi%20Raghavan%20Indradev%20Babu%20and%20V%20Anbu.JPG&h=485&w=735" style="width: 1152px; height: 768px;" title="IMTMA's new Vice President and the President with the current Secretary"></p>
<p><em>L-R: Ravi Raghavan, Vice President, Indradev Babu, President and V Anbu Director-General and CEO of IMTMA</em></p>
<p>Elaborating further he said that industry should move from the earlier definition of VUCA (Volatility, Uncertainty, Complexity, and Ambiguity) towards a new definition of VUCA, which is (Vision, Understanding, Clarity, and Agility).</p>
<![CDATA[IMTMA announced the new change in leadership at its 73rd Annual General Meeting (AGM)]]>Autocar ProfessionalAutocar Pro News Desk Industryhttps://www.autocarpro.in/Utils/ImageResizer.ashx?n=https://www.autocarpro.in/userfiles/1437f686-ae7e-45ff-bcb3-d3b212449911.jpg&h=485&w=735https://www.autocarpro.in/Utils/ImageResizer.ashx?n=https://www.autocarpro.in/userfiles/1437f686-ae7e-45ff-bcb3-d3b212449911.jpg&h=485&w=73544086https://www.autocarpro.in/news-national/indradev-babu-elected-as-the-new-imtma-president-44086
https://www.autocarpro.in/news-national/indradev-babu-elected-as-the-new-imtma-president-44086Fri, 13 Sep 2019 11:23:00Audi tests new body sealing technique for more accuracy and precision<div class='articleDetails_image'><img src='https://www.autocarpro.in/Utils/ImageResizer.ashx?n=https://www.autocarpro.in/userfiles/2e90b7a4-cedc-46d8-a802-c8197467668a.jpg&h=485&w=735'/><div><p><strong>Audi is testing a new method of body sealing at its paint shop in Gyor, Hungary.&nbsp; Before a car is given its paint finish, a paste-like sealing material is applied to areas such as the weld seams. This improves vehicle acoustics, guards against corrosion and seals off the interior. The new method grants complete freedom in determining the thickness and width of material to be applied. This makes it possible to apply the sealing material more quickly and with supreme precision.</strong></p>
<p>The new, automated process is known as digital sealing. A robot-guided applicator deposits ultra-fine droplets of uniform quality to the body with outstanding accuracy. Beforehand, trained system operators program the optimal width and thickness of material to be applied. Thanks to the precision involved, almost none of the sealing material goes to waste. What&rsquo;s more, because less material is used, the overall weight of the vehicle is reduced by several kilograms&mdash;and every kilogram saved improves vehicle dynamics and cuts carbon emissions.</p>
<p><img alt="Audi body sealing technique" src="https://www.autocarpro.in/Utils/ImageResizer.ashx?n=https://www.autocarpro.in/Portals/0/userfiles/15/A1912158_large.jpg&h=485&w=735" style="width: 735px; height: 485px;" title="Audi body sealing technique"></p>
<p>The new process is good for employees, too, as their work is going to be made much easier in terms of ergonomics. The benefits of the new method are most apparent in hard-to-reach places that are subject to exacting quality requirements concerning tight seals. In the past, these steps in the process often called for a lot of experience and meant demanding ergonomics, including working overhead on the vehicle underbody. Another example is sealing the cut-outs for the rear lights, known as the &#39;lamp pots&#39;.&nbsp;Audi and its development partner Atlas Copco are now trying out the new method for this purpose in a series production facility for the first time at the paint shop at Audi&rsquo;s site in Gyor.</p>
<p><img alt="Audi new body sealant makes cars lighter" src="https://www.autocarpro.in/Utils/ImageResizer.ashx?n=https://www.autocarpro.in/Portals/0/userfiles/15/A1912160_large.jpg&h=485&w=735" style="width: 735px; height: 485px;" title="Audi new body sealant makes cars lighter"></p>
<p>The new, automated process also saves time and improves the visual appearance of the seals thanks to its consistent level of precision. A patent application has been filed, and the method is due to be rolled out at additional Audi sites.&nbsp;</p>
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<![CDATA[Audi’s new sealing technique called the digital sealing uses less material and thus the overall weight of the vehicle is reduced by several kilograms.]]>Autocar ProfessionalAutocar Pro News Desk Technologyhttps://www.autocarpro.in/Utils/ImageResizer.ashx?n=https://www.autocarpro.in/userfiles/2e90b7a4-cedc-46d8-a802-c8197467668a.jpg&h=485&w=735https://www.autocarpro.in/Utils/ImageResizer.ashx?n=https://www.autocarpro.in/userfiles/2e90b7a4-cedc-46d8-a802-c8197467668a.jpg&h=485&w=73544084https://www.autocarpro.in/news-international/audi-tests-new-body-sealing-technique-for-more-accuracy-and-precision-44084
https://www.autocarpro.in/news-international/audi-tests-new-body-sealing-technique-for-more-accuracy-and-precision-44084Fri, 13 Sep 2019 11:03:00Ampere Vehicles appoints BVR Subbu as chairman<div class='articleDetails_image'><img src='https://www.autocarpro.in/Utils/ImageResizer.ashx?n=https://www.autocarpro.in/userfiles/06d738b8-15c3-459e-b98e-e9bf9d13e87b.jpg&h=485&w=735'/><div><p><strong>Ampere Vehicles, the electric mobility arm of Greaves Cotton, has announced the induction of industry veteran BVR Subbu to its Board as the Chairman.</strong></p>
<p>In his role as Chair of the Board, BVR Subbu, an automobile industry veteran and ex-president of Hyundai Motor India, will steer the Board to stay ahead of the complex challenges presented by a competitive Indian e-mobility transformation and support Ampere&rsquo;s strategic growth ambitions.</p>
<p>Speaking about the appointment,&nbsp;Nagesh Basavanhalli, Director, Ampere Vehicles&nbsp;said, &ldquo;Today&rsquo;s decision to appoint a new chairman of the Board at Ampere is a major step in our quest to expand Ampere&rsquo;s footprint across India. BVR Subbu comes with exceptional experience in steering auto brands towards growth and is an industry legend.&rdquo;</p>
<p>Commenting on his appointment,&nbsp;BVR Subbu&nbsp;said, &ldquo;Ampere Vehicles as a pure-play electric vehicle company has the potential to revolutionise Indian EV industry.&nbsp;&nbsp;I look forward to contributing to the continued success of Ampere Vehicles.&rdquo;</p>
<p><img alt="" src="https://www.autocarpro.in/Utils/ImageResizer.ashx?n=https://www.autocarpro.in/Portals/0/userfiles/17/Greaves%20cotton.jpg&h=485&w=735" style="width: 735px; height: 490px;" title=""></p>
<p>The Coimbatore-based Ampere Vehicles, has a near-20 percent market share in the Indian electric two-wheeler industry along with a range of high-to-low-speed, affordable and energy efficient electric scooters that are currently popular with commuters making a switch from conventional to electric two-wheelers.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>
<p><a href="https://www.autocarpro.in/feature/greaves-cottons-on-to-electric-mobility-43849"><span style="color:#FF0000;">Greaves Cotton and Ampere Vehicles were the cover story for Autocar Professional&#39;s recent July 1, 2019 Maharashtra Special</span></a><span style="color:#FF0000;">.</span>&nbsp; The&nbsp;160-year-old Mumbai-based&nbsp;Greaves Cotton. This diesel engine manufacturer, which is a major supplier to three-wheeler OEMs, is now making a marked shift to electric mobility. Armed with its recent acquisition of the Coimbatore-based Ampere Vehicles (which has an efficient in-house EV powertrain manufacturing setup), the company is looking to be future-fit by developing affordable last-mile EVs and is also looking to set up charging infrastructure across the country.&nbsp;</p>
<p>In July 2019, Greaves Cotton, which is aggressively driving its electric mobility programme in India, increased its stake by 14 percent in Ampere Vehicles, taking its total ownership to 81.23 percent.<strong> </strong>The investment follows the acquisition of&nbsp;<a href="https://www.autocarpro.in/news-national/greaves-cotton-to-acquire-ampere-vehicles--aims-to-access-new-customer-base-40558">Ampere Vehicles in October 2018 with 67.34 percent&nbsp;</a>stake for Rs 77 crore. Till now, Greaves Cotton&#39;s total investment in Ampere Vehicles is Rs 120.49 crore (including control premium). Greaves Cotton says the investment is part of its long-term growth strategy to offer superior products and services in last-mile e-mobility space, which the company says is seeing significant interest from various quarters.</p>
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<![CDATA[BVR Subbu, an automobile industry veteran and ex-president of Hyundai Motor India, will help steer the EV manufacturer's strategic growth programme.]]>Autocar ProfessionalAutocar Pro News Desk Industryhttps://www.autocarpro.in/Utils/ImageResizer.ashx?n=https://www.autocarpro.in/userfiles/06d738b8-15c3-459e-b98e-e9bf9d13e87b.jpg&h=485&w=735https://www.autocarpro.in/Utils/ImageResizer.ashx?n=https://www.autocarpro.in/userfiles/06d738b8-15c3-459e-b98e-e9bf9d13e87b.jpg&h=485&w=73544083https://www.autocarpro.in/news-national/ampere-vehicles-appoints-bvr-subbu-as-chairman-44083
https://www.autocarpro.in/news-national/ampere-vehicles-appoints-bvr-subbu-as-chairman-44083Fri, 13 Sep 2019 10:27:00Baojun launches new RM-5 MPV and RC-6 sedan at Chengdu Motor Show<div class='articleDetails_image'><img src='https://www.autocarpro.in/Utils/ImageResizer.ashx?n=https://www.autocarpro.in/userfiles/0d4330dd-0613-41f1-8973-472f4160617c.jpg&h=485&w=735'/><div><p><strong>Earlier this month, Chinese brand Baojun launched the RM-5 MPV and RC-6 sedan under its new diamond logo at the Chengdu Motor Show 2019. Equipped with industry-leading connectivity and class-leading driver-assistance technology, the two new nameplates represent Baojun&rsquo;s latest intelligent mobility solutions.</strong></p>
<p>Both new models come with Bosch&rsquo;s driver assistance system. The Level-2 ADAS system covers 16 daily driving scenarios to reduce driving fatigue, especially during heavy traffic.</p>
<p>The advanced adaptive cruise control system on the RM-5 and RC-6 can be activated at a speed of up to 130kph. The combination of a 77-GHz long-range millimetre-wave radar and a multifunction high-definition camera makes the identification of people, cars and roads ahead more precise.</p>
<p>In order to enhance the safety of driving at night, the LED headlights on the RM-5 and RC-6 are equipped with class-leading IHMA intelligent high and low beam switching. Other safety features include Traffic Jam Assist, Lane Keep Assist, Lane Departure Warning, Intelligent Cruise Assist, Blind-Spot Collision-Avoidance Assist, Traffic Sign Warning and Traffic Speed Assist.</p>
<p>The RM-5 MPV and RC-6 sedan come with a 1.5-litre turbocharged engine with 108 kW of maximum power and 245 Nm of maximum torque. The engine is paired with a choice of a six-speed manual transmission or a virtual eight-speed continuously variable transmission (CVT).</p>
<p>With ground clearance of 198mm, the RC-6 offers the advantage of an SUV along with the nimble driving dynamics of a sedan. It is 4,925mm long, 1,880mm wide, 1,580mm tall and has a wheelbase of 2,800mm, giving it a roomy interior. Its six variants are priced from RMB 84,800 to RMB 123,800 (Rs 853,000 to Rs 12.45 lakh) .</p>
<p>The RM-5 offers 12 variants with five-, six- and seven-seat options priced from RMB 86,800 to RMB 120,800 (Rs 873,000 to Rs 12.15 lakh). With a length of 4,705mm, width of 1,806mm, height of 1,645mm and wheelbase of 2,750mm, it is the first MPV with Baojun&rsquo;s new diamond logo that covers all user scenarios for young families in China.</p>
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<![CDATA[The two new model, which targeted youth in China, represent Baojun’s latest intelligent mobility solutions.]]>Autocar ProfessionalAutocar Pro News Desk Passenger Vehicleshttps://www.autocarpro.in/Utils/ImageResizer.ashx?n=https://www.autocarpro.in/userfiles/0d4330dd-0613-41f1-8973-472f4160617c.jpg&h=485&w=735https://www.autocarpro.in/Utils/ImageResizer.ashx?n=https://www.autocarpro.in/userfiles/0d4330dd-0613-41f1-8973-472f4160617c.jpg&h=485&w=73544082https://www.autocarpro.in/news-international/baojun-launches-new-rm5-mpv-and-rc6-sedan-at-chengdu-motor-show-44082
https://www.autocarpro.in/news-international/baojun-launches-new-rm5-mpv-and-rc6-sedan-at-chengdu-motor-show-44082Fri, 13 Sep 2019 07:52:00GM appoints Harry Sze as design director at China Advanced Design Studio<div class='articleDetails_image'><img src='https://www.autocarpro.in/Utils/ImageResizer.ashx?n=https://www.autocarpro.in/userfiles/619eb8a9-f6f4-474e-88a4-417ff4324ae6.jpg&h=485&w=735'/><div><p><strong>General Motors has appointed Harry Sze as director of Design at its China Advanced Design Studio in Shanghai</strong>.</p>
<p>The GM China Advanced Design Studio is focused on helping realise GM&rsquo;s vision for transportation by developing concept and new energy vehicles for China and other markets. It is a key member of the GM global design studio network, contributing to GM&rsquo;s exploration of advanced mobility solutions. The facility is in the process of expanding its size and growing its capability, backed by a strong team of local talent.</p>
<p>Sze is leading the aesthetic direction and quality execution of innovative exteriors and interiors for advanced concept vehicles for China. He reports to Ken Parkinson, GM China and GM International vice president of Design.</p>
<p>&ldquo;We are pleased to have Harry join GM Global Design to lead our China Advanced Design studio here in Shanghai,&rdquo; said Parkinson. &ldquo;The experience Harry brings will strengthen this team&rsquo;s capability as we work on GM&rsquo;s future vision of mobility.&rdquo;&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>
<p>Sze has worked at BMW Group Designworks since 2014, serving as director of the Shanghai studio since 2016. He has a bachelor&rsquo;s degree in transportation design from the ArtCenter College of Design in Pasadena, California.</p>
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<![CDATA[Harry Sze is leading the aesthetic direction and quality execution of innovative exteriors and interiors for advanced concept vehicles for China.]]>Autocar ProfessionalAutocar Pro News Desk Industryhttps://www.autocarpro.in/Utils/ImageResizer.ashx?n=https://www.autocarpro.in/userfiles/619eb8a9-f6f4-474e-88a4-417ff4324ae6.jpg&h=485&w=735https://www.autocarpro.in/Utils/ImageResizer.ashx?n=https://www.autocarpro.in/userfiles/619eb8a9-f6f4-474e-88a4-417ff4324ae6.jpg&h=485&w=73544081https://www.autocarpro.in/news-international/gm-appoints-harry-sze-as-design-director-at-china-advanced-design-studio-44081
https://www.autocarpro.in/news-international/gm-appoints-harry-sze-as-design-director-at-china-advanced-design-studio-44081Fri, 13 Sep 2019 07:32:00C2A Security, NXP partner for cybersecurity solution for connected and automated vehicles<div class='articleDetails_image'><img src='https://www.autocarpro.in/Utils/ImageResizer.ashx?n=https://www.autocarpro.in/userfiles/c8913e2b-1f76-4ce2-84e0-7d9cd2cf601f.jpg&h=485&w=735'/><div><p><strong>C2A Security,&nbsp;a global leader in automotive cybersecurity,&nbsp;has announced a comprehensive automotive security solution, developed in collaboration with NXP, utilising NXP&nbsp;Semiconductors&rsquo;&nbsp;secure CAN (Controller Area Network)&nbsp;transceivers.</strong></p>
<p>Designed to provide comprehensive protection to help automotive OEMs get the upper hand on some of the most sophisticated cyberattacks, the solution combines C2A&acute;s cybersecurity software and NXP&acute;s secure CAN transceivers.</p>
<p>Working in collaboration with NXP Semiconductors, the teams identified possible CAN bus-related attack vectors for perimeter devices which resulted in a new software-hardware solution. The combined solution allows OEMs to leverage both the software and hardware security capabilities of C2A and NXP to cover attack vectors that were previously difficult or impossible to address.</p>
<p>This new synergetic solution consists of:</p>
<p>NXP&#39;s Secure CAN Transceiver, which helps detect and prevent malicious activity on the vehicles CAN bus.</p>
<p>C2A&rsquo;s Stamper, a decentralised firewall for the CAN bus, which adds a patented security layer for CAN bus communication;</p>
<p>C2A&rsquo;s SecMon Intrusion Detection and Prevention Software (IDPS), which detects potentially malicious activity by combining deterministic and machine learning capabilities, and then uses state-of-the-art in-vehicle SOC to enable an appropriate response.&nbsp;</p>
<p>It is critical that OEMs have the ability to provide an optimal defence against cyber threats. The synergetic C2A/NXP solution enables automotive manufacturers to provide&nbsp; a high level of protection from CAN bus cyberattacks, especially on the perimeter where the attack surface is the largest.</p>
<p>&quot;C2A is looking to provide the automotive industry with comprehensive security solutions, covering all relevant attack vectors,&quot; said Nathaniel Meron, chief product and marketing officer at C2A Security. &quot;Our solution approach to security with NXP is vital for manufacturers to ensure their passengers&rsquo; safety,&quot; added Meron.</p>
<p>Timo van Roermund, Head of Automotive Security at NXP, said:&nbsp; &quot;NXP&#39;s secure CAN Transceiver is a robust hardware complement to C2A software solutions, one that aims to deliver a powerful security solution for increasingly connected cars&quot;.</p>
<p>C2A Security is at IAA 2019, New mobility world Hall 5 Booth 30B</p>
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<![CDATA[C2A’s combined solution with NXP addresses demand for 'iron-clad' perimeter cybersecurity protection for vehicle OEMs.]]>Autocar ProfessionalAutocar Pro News Desk Industryhttps://www.autocarpro.in/Utils/ImageResizer.ashx?n=https://www.autocarpro.in/userfiles/c8913e2b-1f76-4ce2-84e0-7d9cd2cf601f.jpg&h=485&w=735https://www.autocarpro.in/Utils/ImageResizer.ashx?n=https://www.autocarpro.in/userfiles/c8913e2b-1f76-4ce2-84e0-7d9cd2cf601f.jpg&h=485&w=73544080https://www.autocarpro.in/news-international/c2a-security--nxp-partner-for-cybersecurity-solution-for-connected-and-automated-vehicles-44080
https://www.autocarpro.in/news-international/c2a-security--nxp-partner-for-cybersecurity-solution-for-connected-and-automated-vehicles-44080Fri, 13 Sep 2019 06:37:00Diesel sales fall first time in 9 months amidst economy slowdown<div class='articleDetails_image'><img src='https://www.autocarpro.in/Utils/ImageResizer.ashx?n=https://www.autocarpro.in/userfiles/2c73aa16-dac9-42ef-b976-08e3ab9cd217.jpg&h=485&w=735'/><div><p><strong>The impact of the slowdown in the automotive sector in general and commercial vehicles (CV) in particular has begun to reflect on diesel consumption in India. Demand for diesel fell by a shade over 1 percent to 6.12 million metric tons (MMT) in August, when compared to the same period last year. It&#39;s the first time in nine months that diesel consumption has seen a year-on-year decline.</strong></p>
<p>Analysts attribute the decline primarily to the overall slump in the economy leading to lesser fleet of commercial vehicles (CV) on the roads. CVs, often referred to as &#39;barometer of the economy&#39;, contribute to the bulk of the total diesel sales in the country, followed by a small proportion of usage for irrigational &nbsp;purposes and fishing boats, among others. A small contributor may also be the increasing preference for petrol-engined vehicles.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>
<p>The latest data available with the Society of &nbsp;Indian Automobile Manufacturers (SIAM), the apex national body representing all major vehicle and engine manufacturers, reveals that the&nbsp;overall&nbsp;CV &nbsp;segment &nbsp;registered&nbsp;a decline&nbsp;of 19&nbsp;percent during &nbsp;the April-August 2019 period &nbsp;&nbsp;as compared to the corresponding period last year. Further, within the sub-segments, &nbsp;medium and heavy commercial&nbsp;vehicles&nbsp;(M&amp;HCVs) declined by 28.98 percent and light&nbsp;commercial&nbsp;vehicles saw a de-growth of &nbsp;12.70 percent during the same comparable period. During August 2019, the CV industry saw a 39 percent YoY fall, and the M&amp;HCV segment fell 54 percent.&nbsp;</p>
<p>Commenting on the development, K Ravichandran, senior VP and Group Head, Corporate Ratings, Icra Ltd&nbsp;said, &quot; The decline in diesel is due to the overall slump in the economy. As there are no signs of any improvement in the economy yet , therefore &nbsp;I believe the demand &nbsp;will continue to remain subdued for next few months or it may even remain in negative&quot;.</p>
<p>As per the latest data available with the Petroleum Planning and Analysis Cell (PPAC) of the oil ministry, overall fuel demand in the country grew by 2.8 percent at 17.04 MMT &nbsp;during August 2019 as compared to August 2018. Sales of petrol were up by 8.9 percent during the comparable period at 2.57 MMT.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>
<p>As per the latest report released by ICICI Securities, India&#39;s &nbsp;diesel consumption growth, which was up 4.2 percent YoY in CY18, 6.3 percent in January &nbsp;and 3.1 percent in February , slowed down to 1.4 - 2.8 percent in the March-May 2019&nbsp;period &nbsp;and further slowed down to 1.4% YoY in June. However, demand grew back at&nbsp; 3.3% YoY in July, &nbsp;the strongest in six months.</p>
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<![CDATA[The decline in the sale of diesel fuel is attributed primarily to the overall slump in the economy, leading to fewer commercial vehicles on Indian roads.]]>Autocar ProfessionalAutocar Pro News Desk Industryhttps://www.autocarpro.in/Utils/ImageResizer.ashx?n=https://www.autocarpro.in/userfiles/2c73aa16-dac9-42ef-b976-08e3ab9cd217.jpg&h=485&w=735https://www.autocarpro.in/Utils/ImageResizer.ashx?n=https://www.autocarpro.in/userfiles/2c73aa16-dac9-42ef-b976-08e3ab9cd217.jpg&h=485&w=73544079https://www.autocarpro.in/news-national/diesel-sales-fall-first-time-in-9-months-amidst-economy-slowdown-44079
https://www.autocarpro.in/news-national/diesel-sales-fall-first-time-in-9-months-amidst-economy-slowdown-44079Thu, 12 Sep 2019 23:04:00Axalta partners Bharat Skill Development University for training in automotive painting<div class='articleDetails_image'><img src='https://www.autocarpro.in/Utils/ImageResizer.ashx?n=https://www.autocarpro.in/userfiles/97b1b7df-e5a3-4de0-9653-f15a05f78cea.jpg&h=485&w=735'/><div><p><strong>Axalta,&nbsp;a leading global supplier of liquid and powder coatings, has announced a five-year partnership with Jaipur-based Bharat Skill Development University (BSDU) to provide Indian youth with hands-on, skills-based training for career development in the automotive industry and body shops.&nbsp; The partnership is expected to train more than 200 students with certified programs of six months, one year, or three years for a Bachelor of Vocation (B.VOC.)</strong></p>
<p>Axalta will help to design the curriculum and provide extensive coatings training to instructors and selective students from BSDU. The company will also work with BSDU&#39;s School of Automotive Skills and provide the necessary tools and equipment, paint mixing machines, paint material and study materials.</p>
<p>&ldquo;Having a strong pipeline of skilled workers is critical to the long-term growth of India&rsquo;s automotive sector,&rdquo; said Lokender Pal Singh, Refinish Director South Asia, Axalta Coating Systems.&nbsp;&quot;The government, as well as industry, have made significant efforts to address this issue through programs like BDSU.&nbsp; Axalta is very proud to be a part of the solution by supporting Indian youth through our partnership with BDSU.&nbsp;&nbsp;Our hope is that one day these same students will drive the growth of automotive industry in India.&rdquo;</p>
<p>BSDU is the first project of its kind in India and is an initiative of the Joshi Foundation Switzerland instituted by Dr. Rajendra Joshi and his wife Mrs. Ursula Joshi. Dr. Joshi initiated this project for Skill Development based on the Swiss Dual System of training. Dual learning incorporates both vocational school learning and practical on the job training. Under this initiative, the School of Automotive Skills was formed in 2017 with the mission to impart knowledge, technical skills, and hands-on training in automobiles, focusing on four wheelers, both petrol and diesel, tractor and agricultural implements. The program is designed to introduce the students to the operation of today&#39;s complex vehicles by giving them a comprehensive understanding, basic to advanced, of various automotive systems like Transmission, Brakes, Steering and Suspension, Electrical and Electronics, and Engine&nbsp;Performance. The course is focused on producing skilled manpower for Automotive service industry through regroups training, both at university and at industry through its modular program structure.</p>
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<p>Brig. Dr. Surjit Singh Pabla, Vice-Chancellor, BSDU, said: &ldquo;It is encouraging to see companies like Axalta being so committed to India, our youth, and to bridging the skills gap.&nbsp; Building up the next generation of our workforce is extremely important as we look to continue to grow and build a strong prosperous automotive industry in India.&rdquo;</p>
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<![CDATA[Global supplier of liquid and powder coatings aims to train more than 200 students in the next five years.]]>Autocar ProfessionalAutocar Pro News Desk Industryhttps://www.autocarpro.in/Utils/ImageResizer.ashx?n=https://www.autocarpro.in/userfiles/97b1b7df-e5a3-4de0-9653-f15a05f78cea.jpg&h=485&w=735https://www.autocarpro.in/Utils/ImageResizer.ashx?n=https://www.autocarpro.in/userfiles/97b1b7df-e5a3-4de0-9653-f15a05f78cea.jpg&h=485&w=73544078https://www.autocarpro.in/news-national/axalta-partners-bharat-skill-development-university-for-training-in-automotive-painting-44078
https://www.autocarpro.in/news-national/axalta-partners-bharat-skill-development-university-for-training-in-automotive-painting-44078Thu, 12 Sep 2019 22:39:00